‘Unsanctioned Racing’ Project

No permits. No race fees. Just a few friends and a sick time outdoors running, cycling or adventure racing in the city or further afield outdoors. That’s the premise of Pearl Izumi’s new project, dubbed “Unsanctioned Racing.” Check out the video below for a full rundown, or head to the source on PI’s Facebook page. You can set up an “event” with friends and get the word out through this social page. There is a function to make a map of your course, and PI is doling out swag to the best or most-attended “unsanctioned races” it sees. Overall, this is a concept I love, and anyone who attended my off-grid “6 Challenges of the Gear Junkie” event last summer can attest to the good times that can be had during an unofficial, unsanctioned event. Props to PI for having the corporate cojones to surpass legal and go for it here. A cool premise that I hope catches on around the country with people who don’t want to worry about officiating something before they get outside with friends to compete and play. —Stephen Regenold